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Tuesday, 19 May 2015

Saturday sees first United Airlines Newcastle Airport - New York flight: big excitement in the North East

Final preparations are underway ahead of the launch of the first US transatlantic scheduled service from Newcastle International Airport on 23 May. The United Airlines service to Newark / New York commences in just one month’s time. I am really grateful to the team at United Airlines for seeing the vision of the North East and our area as a big base for trade and tourism, exports and excitement. I cannot be at the opening flight on Saturday morning but I know lots of locals in Northumberland are very excited about the new route.

As the final countdown begins, thousands of eager holidaymakers and business travellers have already booked on the service, which is running five days a week to the Big Apple on United Airlines from Newcastle.

The route will operate five times a week between 23 May and 7 September. It will have a big impact on tourism to the region. In addition to UK residents travelling on to North America for business or for leisure, the service makes the North East of England much more accessible for inbound travel from the States.

This from Dave Laws, chief executive of the airport:

“We have also been promoting the new service across the North East, Cumbria and North Yorkshire through visits to travel agencies, advertising and through some sponsorship deals within and outside the airport. It is now really down to the region to take advantage of this fantastic service so that United Airlines return and expand the operation in 2016.”

The number one destination is New York, but the service is proving popular for trips to Florida, Las Vegas, Chicago, Washington, Boston, Toronto, Los Angeles and San Francisco. In all, over 300 onward connections are available via Newark.

Dave adds: “Passengers are making the most of United’s excellent route network to connect onto numerous further afield destinations. Some travellers are even using the flight to reach Hawaii. If you fancy visiting the United States and Canada this summer whether to tour, visit friends or family or laze in the sun, it’s not too late to book. Now is a good time to leap into action and visit your local travel agent either for a package holiday or a tailor made holiday.”